Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP)-Coated Microbeam MEMS Sensor for Chemical Detection

Monitoring trace gases is of great importance in a wide range of applications. Detecting a diverse range of chemical agents requires an adaptable sensor platform capable of identifying threats before they cause harm. Research and development in hazardous-materials detection technology focuses on increasing speed, sensitivity, and selectivity while reducing size and cost. Although the current state-of-the-art vapor detector (Joint Chemical Agent Detector) is lightweight, handheld, and easily attaches to a belt, it still provides added bulk to a soldier on foot. Recently, microcantilever-based technology has emerged as a viable platform due to its many advantages such as small size, high sensitivity, and low cost. However, microcantilevers lack the inherent ability to selectively identify chemicals of interest. The key to overcoming this challenge is to functionalize the top surface of the microcantilever with a sorbent layer (i.e., polymer) that allows for selective binding between the microbeam and analyte(s) of interest.